Mirrors are one of the most versatile decorative accessories you can add to your home. Whether you are using mirrors to check your reflection or simply to add flair to your home décor, you want your mirrors to be a perfect accent to your home. With all of the mirrors available, you may be unsure about which mirrors would be the best. This mirrors buying guide is designed to help you decide which mirrors you'll want to add to your interior décor.
You may have many reasons for adding mirrors to your home or you may need a few more good reasons. Here are several ways to use mirrors in your home, some of which you may not have considered before.
For reflection and inspection
You already know that mirrors can be used to check your reflection, but have you thought about all of the places in your home where this might be handy? A vanity mirror in your bathroom will help you style your hair and make-up just right. A decorative wall mirror near your door will give you a chance to check your appearance before leaving the house. A full-length mirror next to, or inside of, your closet will give you a chance to make sure your shoes work with your outfit. You could even hang up two full-length mirrors there; that way, you can get a good idea of what the rear view looks like.
To illuminate
Mirrors are useful in home décor when you want to move light into a dark corner. A wall mirror can reflect the light from a window or light fixture into a place that was previously filled with shadows. Hold the mirror in a few different positions before you hang it to find a spot that maximizes the light. A decorative wall mirror above a console table becomes almost like another light source when a table lamp is placed in front of it; the amount of light will double as will the beauty of your interior décor. For a romantic effect, try placing candles in front of a mirror.
To create an illusion
Mirrors are excellent tools for making a small room feel larger. The reflection gives the illusion of an extended room. For extra size, let a glass mirror reflect the view from a window. It will be as though you have two views for the price of one! You can also simulate a window in a small room or basement with a wall mirror. Simply hang the decorative wall mirror at window height. Take the look further and add curtains or a valance to the mirror.
To accessorize
Decorative wall mirrors can enhance your interior décor when the frame is attractive. The style of the wall décor mirrors you choose will add to the theme of the room. Even unframed mirrors are a decorative addition to a room. Just the shimmering, reflective quality of mirrors makes them a lovely accent piece. Whether you choose a small framed mirror to sit on a bookshelf or you hang large mirrors on the wall, mirrors will add to the look of a room.
You can be creative when decorating with mirrors. Use framed mirrors as serving trays; think how festive a tray of sparkling champagne flutes would look when reflected in a mirror! When you place a framed mirror on an ottoman, it becomes a coffee table top. Just make sure you choose mirrors with sturdy enough backs. Centerpiece mirrors are also an excellent way to add mirrors to your décor. Simply place a mirror underneath the centerpiece on your dining table. Continue the look by using round mirrors as chargers. Your dinner guests will be very impressed.
For Feng Shui
In the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, mirrors are thought to be like bodies of water, since water was one of the first places in which people saw their reflections. Mirrors are used similarly as water in Feng Shui: to change the flow of energy, to calm a room and to bring a feeling of rejuvenation. To achieve this feeling, add mirrors on the walls to the east to help your health, the southeast to help your wealth and to the north to help your career path. However, never hang mirrors on the south wall or you'll damage your reputation, on the wall facing your bed since the energy will disrupt your sleep or facing the main entry door because you'll reflect good energy back out the door.
These are just a few ideas for decorating with mirrors. Once you see the wide selection of discount mirrors here on Overstock.com, you'll be inspired to come up with some affordable ideas of your own.
No matter what your interior décor style is, you'll find complementing mirrors here on Overstock.com. Here are just a few of the many styles of mirrors you'll find when you are online shopping.
Country decor
Casual mirrors, such as a wooden framed mirror, would be a perfect addition to country home décor. If you have French country décor in your home, you may like decorative wall mirrors with iron scrollwork frames. The rustic look of a mountain cabin can be accented with a pine-framed mirror.
Vintage chic
Antiqued mirrors are the perfect accent to a room full of furniture from estate sales and antique stores. These mirrors can also be a cool touch to a contemporary room. Look for mirrors where the glass has the appearance of age, such as black flecks and a silvery haze. You'll have the look of an antique mirror for a much lower price (especially on Overstock.com).
Traditional style
Louis IV, known for his oft-duplicated, opulent style, was one of the first to use mirrors as décor. When you copy his style with traditional mirrors, you create a classically styled room. A gold-framed mirror over a fireplace is a grand addition to a room. Beveled mirrors look beautiful in a traditionally decorated room. Hang traditional mirrors along with portraits and tapestries for a cohesive look.
Worldstock
If you prefer the globetrotter look in your home, global mirrors will "reflect" your international tastes. Let the beautiful, handcrafted frames of the mirrors from our Worldstock store inspire you. Mirrors accentuated with such details as Peruvian hardwood, Mexican tiles or Chinese calligraphy will all give your home a unique look.
Before you purchase your new mirrors, note whether or not the mirror includes hangers on the back. Our descriptions may say something such as "arrives ready to hang." In a few cases, you made need to pick up a picture hanging kit to attach to the back of your mirrors. You can hang most mirrors the same way that you hang pictures, with a nail and picture hanger. Since many mirrors are heavier than typical picture frames, you'll want to be sure that the hangers are rated for the weight; the weight limit for the hangers will be noted on the package. If you are unsure about the weight of your mirror, you can find it easily be weighing yourself holding it, then without it and calculating the difference. If the mirror is exceptionally heavy, you may want to use drywall anchors, available at all neighborhood hardware stores.
If you are hanging your mirrors in a grouping, either with other mirrors or combined with artwork, the easiest way to figure out what will be visually pleasing is to make templates out of newspaper or brown paper. Mark on the templates where the hanger is on the back, tape the templates onto the wall with low-tack painter's tape, measure evenly around each piece and hammer your nail. Now hang your mirrors and enjoy.
What is the best way to clean mirrors?
Although many people like using a cloth, newspaper is one of the best materials to use to get a streak-free clean. Using store-bought glass cleaners will help you remove any grease and dust that may have built up on your mirrors. You can also make a homemade glass cleaner by mixing one cup of rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon of vinegar into one cup of water. Shake it up in a spray bottle. Be sure to spray your glass cleaner onto the newspaper instead of onto the mirror to prevent discoloration.
Is there a way to keep a bathroom mirror from fogging up while I'm in the shower?
If the fan in your bathroom isn't preventing fog on your mirror, try spreading a small amount of men's plain white shaving cream--the cheaper the better--over the mirror and wiping it off with a paper towel. This should keep your mirror fog-free for a few months, but you may need to repeat the process after cleaning the glass with a spray cleaner.
Why do I look thinner in some dressing room mirrors than I do in my full-length mirror at home?
You'd be amazed at the tricks many stores use to convince you to buy clothes while you're in the dressing room. The lighting may be one factor, but more likely, it's the angle of the mirror. Just like a funhouse mirror, dressing room mirrors are sometimes angled a bit to change the way you look. Stores will often tilt the mirror so the bottom is farther forward than the top; this creates the illusion that you are taller and skinnier. There are two solutions to this: resolve to take dressing room mirrors with a grain of salt or lean your full-length mirror at home against the wall instead of hanging it up to create the same type of angle.
Light it up
Are you excited to light up your mirrors to add illumination to your room? Stop by the lighting department in Overstock.com's home store where you'll find the table lamps, chandeliers and other lights that you'll want reflected in your new mirrors.
Inspire décor
The frames on all of the beautiful mirrors may have convinced you it's time for an interior décor overhaul. No problem! You'll find a great deal of discount home décor items here on Overstock.com. Remember: shipping is always $2.95, no matter how many items you buy, so you'll save even more when you buy all of your decorative accessories together.
Fill the walls
Were you inspired to create a grouping of mirrors and art? Stop by the art gallery here on Overstock.com to see our huge selection of artwork to fill your walls. For a great look, find framed art and framed mirrors that coordinate.